Moving to Finland: documents, housing and first steps

Short answer: establish your grounds for residence, arrange an initial address, then deal with population registration, taxation and any Kela applications. Migri, the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV), the Tax Administration and Kela handle different matters. A decision from one does not replace applications to the others. Official guidance checked on 12 November 2026.

Choose the procedure for your citizenship

EU citizens do not need a residence permit. Those staying continuously for more than three months register their right of residence with Migri when the registration conditions are met. Nordic citizens register their personal details with DVV. Migri's EU-registration guidance also covers citizens of Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Migri: EU registration.

Citizens of other countries generally apply for a first residence permit abroad. Employment, studies and family ties are examples of grounds for applying. Migri's Application Finder identifies the appropriate form; identity is verified at the service location required for that procedure. Migri: first residence permit.

Four authorities, four functions

Keep Migri's residence procedure separate from DVV's personal records. Kela decides benefit applications, while Vero needs employment information for taxation.

Kela directs people moving for at least a year to notify DVV. A municipality of residence is assessed under its own conditions. In certain circumstances, Migri or Vero can also issue a personal identity code. Kela, Vero.

Collect documents for each application

Enter Finland is Migri's online application service. Each application type has its own supporting-document list. Foreign documents may need translation or legalisation, so prepare them before the identification appointment.

Create a document list recording the original, translation and application to which each item belongs. An employment contract can then be located for both immigration and tax matters. Migri's application guidance.

Housing: agree when you can move in

According to KKV, a rental deposit may not exceed three months' rent. It secures contractual obligations and should be kept separate from ordinary monthly rent in your budget. Record the deposit, first rent payment and temporary accommodation as separate amounts. KKV: rental deposits.

Agree in writing with the landlord when keys will be handed over and when the flat becomes available. If you arrive earlier, use the Helsinki hotel directory to compare temporary accommodation locations. Treat your permanent home and the first nights' accommodation as separate bookings in the moving plan.

Notify Kela and arrange taxation

When applying for Kela benefits or a Kela card after moving, report the move through MyKela or form Y 77. Kela assesses eligibility through residence or employment. Each benefit requires its own application. Kela's guidance for arrivals.

A person coming to work needs a Finnish personal identity code to obtain a tax card. Vero's arrivals page has separate guidance for employees, students and construction-site workers. Select the instructions that match your work and stay. Vero: arriving in Finland.

Settling into the new address

The shared Posti and DVV notification service covers permanent address changes and temporary moves lasting more than three months. First arrival from abroad and registration of personal details have their own procedure; an ordinary address change does not complete the entire immigration process. Posti's moving guidance.

In Helsinki, the restaurant directory can help place a meal between apartment viewings. Once you have an address, explore the surrounding area through SuomiGuide's place recommendations. Save the locations of home and work first so you can look for nearby services.

Official sources

Checked on 12 November 2026.

• Migri: EU registration
• Migri: first residence permit
• Kela: moving to Finland
• Vero: arriving in Finland
• KKV: rental deposits
• Posti: moving notification